Five Questions With: Brad Goreski

Brad Goreski credits his great team (currently a personal assistant, two styling assistants, and some managers) for all of the high-profile styling and television gigs he’s worked on since leaving Rachel Zoe. In addition to his new Bravo show, It’s a Brad, Brad World, Goreski has been keeping himself busy styling Jessica Alba, blogging for Details, and, most recently, writing a book. We caught up with the stylish author in advance of hisBorn to Be Brad: My Life and Style, So Far book signing (March 8) at Books & Books on Lincoln Road.

Tell us about your new book and why you decided to make it both a biography and a style guide. BRAD GORESKI: The initial idea was a style book, [but] I thought that was too obvious for me. I felt like, at 34-years-old, I’ve lived so many lives. If you are facing challenges with your family, or with drugs and alcohol, or you’ve been bullied and you’re afraid, you have that fear that you’re not good enough to do anything. I had all of those things happen to me and those are actually the things that, in the end, made me stronger and propelled me to go forward.

What will your fans be surprised by as they read the book?
BG: I think people will be surprised by the photos and reading the stories on some of [my old] outfits. It hasn’t been all refined tailoring, bowties, and studded shoes. I went through crazy hair dying phases. I rummaged through clothes that cost 25 cents a pound. I made my own clothes for a while. I still feel like a chubby kid from Port Perry, Ontario. And if I can get from that small town to Hollywood and New York and Milan and Paris and sitting front row at fashion shows, I believe that anybody can.

What are your opinions on Miami style?
BG: In Miami, people have more of a license to dress a little bit crazier, a little sexier, with a bolder print or brighter color. I like that about Miami. I’m also a big fan of people just kind of going for it, and I feel like people really do that here.

Which runway trends are best for Miami in the spring?
BG: Color. I know Miami loves color. The spring/summer runways were very much about pastels—almost like a tray of macarons. There’s a return to femininity for spring. Allow yourself to be girly and pretty and feminine in the summer, walking along the beach in a little chiffon sundress. Let the wind do the work for you.

What do you have planned for your Books & Books event?
BG: I’m excited to meet people. I’m always happy to meet people on the street and talk with them and take photos. I’m just as excited to meet them as I hope they are to meet me. Bring it on, Miami. I’m ready to meet as many of you as possible.